Tips for Taking Your Tattoo Training Into Your Own Hands
There are over 26,000 tattoo businesses and over 30,000 artists working in the country today.
When you go through tattoo training, you develop an academic discipline and your tattoo skills. You need both to become the master tattoo artist you want to be, but you also need to go beyond the classroom.
In today’s post, we’ll provide a few tips on taking your tattoo school experience into your own hands. Read on and you’ll understand more about the tools you’ll need to succeed in the growing world of body art.
Learn More Under an Apprentice
No matter how much tattoo skill you have, there’s no replacement for education. After you’ve completed your tattoo courses and are ready to start working, you can continue to learn by working under a master tattoo artist.
An apprenticeship can add to what you’ve learned in tattoo school. Seeing how a successful professional goes about their business will show you how to go about yours. You’re sure to learn a few important trends and tricks of the trade to take with you while developing your style and method.
Get a License and Purchase Equipment
Even though you’re a highly trained artist, you still need to obtain a license to work as a tattoo artist in Florida. You can get it at a county health department in the area where you live.
A license costs $60 with a $25 reactivation fee whenever the license expires. To get yours, you’ll have to complete a bloodborne pathogen and communicable diseases course with a 70% score.
Once you’ve got your license, you should purchase your equipment. Most tattoo shops will provide employees with equipment, but if you’ve got a particular preference for guns, needles, tubes, or foot pedals, it’s better to be comfortable than to use free equipment.
Create an Online Portfolio
Starting as a new tattoo artist can be difficult. As we said above, over 30,000 artists are working in the country, so you’ll have to figure out how to stand apart from the competition.
Start by creating a portfolio. Instagram and TikTok are great ways to demonstrate your skills while networking with potential customers. If you can build a solid following online, you’ll start to see more bookings.
Don’t Stop Practicing
Whether you’re waiting for your first bookings to roll in or you’re getting plenty of work, you should never stop practicing. Bring your sketchpad and pencils everywhere you go so you can perfect your skills and develop your style.
Even though you’re a successful graduate and maybe even working under a master tattoo artist, there’s always room for improvement. If you want to be the best artist you can be, you need to put in the work.
Get the Right Tattoo Training
If you’re an aspiring tattoo artist, these tips will help you get started. Before you launch your career, however, you need the right tattoo training.
The Florida Tattoo Academy is the only licensed tattoo and piercing school in the Tampa region. If you’ve got a passion and desire to hone your artistic craft, you’ll fit right in at our school. Check out our site to learn more and contact us to schedule a tour of the school.